The new MacBook air by apple is a very interesting product indeed. While the prices are retained, internally a lot has changed. All models now have sandy bridge processors, Intel GPUs, faster SSDs, thunderbolt and they all ship with OS X Lion. Choosing the right updates will ensure that you receive the best possible apple laptop for the least amount of money. Let’s start by deciding on screen size. I’d also like to mention the Mac Mini buyer’s guide before we begin.
11 or 13 inch
Apple offers two sizes of the MacBook air 2011. The difference is mainly screen size and the inclusion of a memory slot in the bigger model. Which size you should aim for depends on your specific needs. For ultra portability go for the 11″, the trade off being that you can’t expect to be doing any creative work apart from writing. The smaller model will excell whilst on the go and doing light work such as media, Internet, apps and writing.
The 13″ MacBook air is the lightest and thinnest work laptop money can buy. This model is slightly less portable but offers more power and screen real estate. Working adobe programs and creative suites is no problem – gaming properly isn’t possible though.
Good or best model
Now that you have made a decision, there’s one more to make. Each screen size has two models differing in price and speed. The more expensive model is faster, but externally they’re all the same. The SSD is the differentiator, so look at that. If you need the extra space go for the more expensive model. I’d also recommend to go higher if you’re planning on keeping the MacBook air for 3+ years, or are planning to use it as your main computer. With your choice made, please continue in the appropriate subsection of the article to discover what upgrades are worthwhile.
Fast navigation, pick your model for further recommendations: 11 inch good | 11 inch best | 13 inch good | 13 inch best
11 inch good upgrades
So you picked the smallest model, interesting choice. This is actually the most popular choice among apple buyers, and the perfect entry-level device to do basic tasks on.
Memory
For $100 Apple will double the 2 gigs of memory to 4gb total. I wouldnt do this. The surrounding tech doesn’t need it, and the extra ram won’t turn this machine into a workhorse anyway. This laptop is for basic things while staying ultra portable, extra ram doesn’t change this.
MacBook air SuperDrive
The external DVD player will connect wirelessly and allow you to run DVDs. It’s convenient if you know this is something you will do, but the 11 inch won’t run games/suites and most software allows DVD-less installs these days – a dodgy buy in my book.
Apple protection plan
For $250 Apple will extend your warranty with 2 additional years, making it 3 total. Quick math reveals that you pay 25% of the device’s worth for this, so again wouldn’t be my pick.
Accessories
Additional accessories including the cinema display and all the adapters – buy what you need together with the laptop. When you’re unsure about a particular item, leave it, these items can be picked up at any given electronics store.
11 inch best upgrades
You are on the go a lot and willing to pay for extra power, good choice. Remember though that the smaller screen can limit your working potential despite the added hardware cushion. Here’re my recommends.
Processor
For $150 you gain 0.2ghz and are bumped up to the i7 series. I would do this upgrade as it’s one time only and will help you a long way. It also helps keep up with the default 4gb ram in this version of the air. However if your tasks are light, this upgrade can be skipped.
SSD
256gb of storage can be obtained for a heavy $300 upgrade. This is a sensible thing to do if you “need” 11 inch but want to get the maximum power. I’d get this only in combo with the above, either go all out (making the ultra portable) or stay default.
MacBook air SuperDrive
The external DVD player will connect wirelessly and allow you to run DVDs. It’s convenient if you know this is something you will do.
AppleCare
Additional warranty can be purchased for $250, a two-sided deal. If you’re tight on cash, leave it and consider it within 1 year of the purchase. However if you’re the kind of person with a financial buffer, and you just ordered the above upgrades, then I’d definitely go for it. This is probably a laptop you will carry around, so additional protection brings piece to mind.
Accessories
Get what you need either now or later, when in doubt simply wait.
13 inch good upgrades
You want a bigger screen for the more affordable price, good one! Here are your options.
MacBook air SuperDrive
Want the possibility of running disc-oriented media? Then go get this.
AppleCare protection
The MacBook air is a nice piece of engineering and you pay the price for it. Additional warranty is a good option, search eBay if you’re tight on cash. Also I wouldn’t buy it right away in case you change your mind about the machine. Wouldn’t want to purchase AppleCare twice at these rates,
Accessories
Get what you want or wait… And get it later. In fact doing this could even boost shipping time.
13 inch best upgrades
You are going all in on the new MacBook air 2011 model, brave move! Updates can bring you even closer to the thinnest workhorse in the world. Lets go through them.
Processor
For $100 apple gives you the ultimate CPU a MacBook air may have – 1.8ghz i7 processor. It fits the other specs (256gb ssd, 4gigs ram) well so I’d take it!
MacBook air SuperDrive
As work is a possibility on this machine, buying this is a sensible thing to do. Remember that the macbook air can use any DVD drive, even those installed in desktops or other notebooks.
Protection plan
The ultimate MacBook air 13″ is pricey enough to be supported by extra warranty. Get it either now, or within 1 year of the purchase if you’re tight on cash.
Accessories
Buy what you need, leave the rest. The cinema display (If money is no issue) is perfect for this machine, simply dock it at home and use it as a full-blown desktop replacement.
I hope this guide helped you in selecting the best possible MacBook air to fit your needs. The new ultra portable is a truly fantastic product and I hope it will serve you well. Remember that for more personal guidance, it’s always possible to leave a comment or contact support.